Will there be process obstacles in applying for import and export licenses in 2026
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I'm a newly-hired documentation clerk at a small and medium-sized foreign trade enterprise. Our company needs to apply for import and export licenses for imported prepackaged food to meet Q4 European orders.
I heard from peers that their application got stuck for nearly a month last year, and the goods were detained due to non-compliant documents, resulting in high port detention fees. I'm really worried now. Will the process of applying for import and export licenses be more simplified in 2026?
Are there any fast-track approval channels? What key risk points should I pay special attention to? As a newbie, I'm afraid of messing things up and delaying order delivery, which would lead to huge losses. I want to clearly understand the specific application difficulties and required preparations to avoid mistakes.
DanielYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Legal AdvisorStart a Chat
Details to note for pre-document review: In 2026，customs has added a "Label Compliance Pre-verification" step to the pre-review of prepackaged food licenses. You need to provide label samples that comply with EU Regulation 2025/1005，focusing on verifying allergen labeling and unit specifications of the nutrition facts table. Old-version Chinese label translations are not allowed，official bilingual verification documents must be submitted. Uploading label files through the pre-verification channel of the Single Window in advance can shorten the turnaround time of core review nodes.
For core node connection: In 2026，the national port customs clearance integration system realizes automatic linkage between import and export licenses and customs declarations，eliminating the need to manually upload scanned copies of licenses. However，note that licenses are "valid within 12 months after issuance". If the cargo delivery date falls outside the validity period，you need to apply for an extension in advance. The extension review takes approximately 3 working days，which is 40% shorter than in 2025. Initiate the application process 15 working days before the cargo delivery date to avoid last-minute rush.
For emergency response plans: If the pre-review is rejected，common issues include nutrition facts table errors exceeding ±5% or inconsistencies between the license's business scope and the goods. In such cases，you can supplement and revise documents within 3 working days and provide component correction certificates from third-party testing institutions. In 2026，revised documents can be submitted online without on-site delivery，and the re-pre-review takes about 2 working days，which will not affect the cargo delivery schedule.
For final compliance implementation: The system will automatically link the license's electronic data，so no paper certificate is required. During customs clearance，you only need to show the license inquiry page on the Single Window to customs，reducing port detention risk by 80%. The application difficulty in 2026 is 60% lower than that in 2025. As long as you prepare documents in line with the new regulations in advance，even newbies can pass the review smoothly.
JohnYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Export Tax Rebate AdvisorStart a Chat
In the review of prepackaged food licenses, label compliance pre-verification is a new step added in 2026. The highest error rate occurs in allergen labeling positions, which must be placed in the top 1/3 area of the label and cannot be in small print at the bottom.
If previous labels were made in accordance with old regulations, they need to be adjusted. Only files generated by customs-recognized label production software will be approved; self-edited PDFs are not allowed. This can reduce the probability of pre-review rejection and save time costs.。
RobertYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Warehouse Management AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, the free detention period for imported prepackaged food is extended to 14 days. Customs declaration should be arranged as soon as possible after the license is obtained. If the shipping schedule changes due to license delays, port change fees will increase by 30%.
You need to lock direct shipping container slots in advance to avoid transshipment, as the port detention risk of transshipment is twice as high as that of direct shipping. Also, ensure that the consignee information on the bill of lading matches the license title, otherwise it will affect customs declaration.。
SarahYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, the VAT deferral policy for imported prepackaged food: As long as you apply for the import and export license, you can apply for a 180-day VAT deferral without occupying working capital.
Under the traditional mode, VAT must be paid upon import, but now it can be deferred until after sales, which eases enterprises' cash flow pressure. You only need to complete the declaration within one month after sales, and no late fees will be incurred.。
CharlotteYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Currency Exchange AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026 cross-border payment and settlement rules, electronic data of import and export licenses will be automatically synchronized to the CIPS system. There is no need to manually upload the license when settling foreign exchange. As long as customs declaration information is consistent with the license, foreign exchange settlement can be completed smoothly.
If the license's business scope does not cover the corresponding food category, it will cause obstacles to foreign exchange settlement. You need to fill in all details of the business scope when applying for the license to avoid subsequent payment and settlement issues.。
OliviaYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Customs AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, imported prepackaged food requires trademark registration in the customs intellectual property filing system in advance, and you need to provide the filing certificate when applying for the license to avoid seizure during customs clearance.
If license extension is caused by force majeure, you can apply for an extension by providing an official force majeure certificate without paying penalties. The force majeure clause in the contract must clearly cover situations of license application delays.。
AlexanderYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Trade AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, on-site food inspection focuses on verifying label authenticity. Filing information can be verified by scanning the label's QR code with a machine.
If the QR code cannot be read, you need to provide a third-party label certification report, which is valid for 6 months. You should prepare it within the validity period. On-site inspection takes about 1 working day, which is half the time compared to 2025.。
EmilyYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Client Success AdvisorStart a Chat
Prepackaged food packaging must meet the 2026 moisture-proof standard, with a moisture-proof level label on the packaging. Ordinary packaging materials cannot be used, otherwise you will be required to repackage during customs clearance, resulting in additional costs.
The packaging size must meet container standards to avoid packing difficulties. Prepackaged food is not classified as dangerous goods, so no UN packaging certificate is required; it only needs to meet ordinary food packaging standards.。
EllaYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior Financial AdvisorStart a Chat
In 2026, imported prepackaged food for domestic sales can apply for VAT refund at the import link. You need to provide four-consistency documents (contract, invoice, payment voucher, customs declaration form).
You must fill in the correct commodity code when applying for the license; an incorrect code will lead to refund failure. The refund review takes about 10 working days, which is 3 days shorter than in 2025. The refund can be approved smoothly if all documents are complete.。